St. Louis County, MO Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

St. Louis County has adopted the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as part of its building code under Title XI SLCRO 1974, with local amendments. The county also maintains specific swimming pool provisions at Title VIII, Chapter 808 SLCRO 1974. Residential pool barrier requirements apply to any pool, hot tub, or spa with water depth greater than 24 inches. The barrier must be a minimum of 48 inches high measured on the side facing away from the pool. Openings in the barrier must not allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere, eliminating most chain-link or widely-spaced picket designs. The bottom of the fence must be a maximum of 1 inch above grade or decking, preventing children from crawling under. Mesh fencing must be approved non-climbable material, construction, and assembly. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. The latch release mechanism must be a minimum of 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, or, if located below 54 inches, must be on the pool side of the gate at least 3 inches below the top, and the gate must have no openings within 18 inches of the latch. Gates serving the pool must open outward away from the pool. The side of the gate facing the pool must be at least 20 inches from the water's edge. For above-ground pools, the pool wall itself may serve as the barrier if at least 48 inches high, with a removable or lockable ladder; if a deck serves an above-ground pool, the deck must have a self-closing and latching gate at the top or bottom of the steps. Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must be equipped with an alarm or self-closing/self-latching device. A building permit through the St. Louis County Department of Public Works is required for pool installation, and inspections verify barrier compliance before final approval.